You are here

36 Tips for Surviving the Family Road Trip

The holiday season is upon us, and with it often comes long family car rides to visit relatives. If you're dreading the long car trip with the kids this season, look no further. You can all make it there (and back) with your sanity and relationships intact. It just takes a little planning and creativity.

1. Make a list and check it twice so you don't forget anything.

2. Play road trip scavenger hunt. Create a list of 20 or more items you all think you'll see on the road and cross them off as you go.

3. Create a music playlist of all of your family's favorites.

4. Plan your stops. Nothing causes more stress in the car than trying to find a bathroom or place to eat.

5. Pack snacks and water bottles, because someone will eventually become famished.

26. Know the rules of the road, especially if traveling to a different state. Know the cell phone rules, and the safe driving rules such as headlights on when it's raining. It will save you from being pulled over which saves you time and money.

27. Stick to your schedule to arrive on time and happy.

28. Schedule your departure, stops, and routes in order to avoid rush hour traffic around major cities.

33. Minimize restaurant stops to save time and money. Make sandwiches instead.

34. If the weather is cold, pack hats, gloves, and extra warm clothes in case the car breaks down.

35. Say yes to technology with hand-held games, mp3 players, and DVD players. By the second or third hour of your trip, you'll be glad you did. Also, make sure each device has headphones so you aren't subjected to the noise.

36. Pack all chargers for all devices so they are ready to go for the trip home.

Now, get out on the road and have fun! Just be ready to sing or listen to one of those annoying, repetitive rounds of Bear-Went-Over-the-Mountain songs. Chances are pretty good it will happen.